The Denise Thomas Legacy Scholarship Fund

The Denise Thomas Legacy Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life and impact of Denise Thomas, a passionate advocate for education access, financial freedom, and generational breakthrough. A TEDx speaker, international best-selling author, and trusted mentor to parents of college-bound teens, Denise dedicated her life to helping families understand that college did not have to come at the cost of overwhelming debt.

Her journey reflected resilience and transformation. After experiencing bankruptcy, Denise successfully guided her two homeschooled children through the college process, helping them earn 17 scholarships totaling more than $199,000. She turned her personal experience into a mission to educate families, demystify scholarships, and empower parents and students to pursue opportunity with confidence and clarity.

The Denise Thomas Legacy Scholarship Fund continues her mission by supporting students who demonstrate perseverance, leadership, and a commitment to positive generational impact through education. Open to high school seniors, current college students, and individuals pursuing vocational or professional training, the scholarship invests in future leaders who understand that true success is measured not only by achievement, but by the lives uplifted along the way.

Administered by Legacy Lives Here Inc., the scholarship reflects an ongoing commitment to flipping the student debt narrative and ensuring that Denise Thomas’s legacy lives on through education, empowerment, and opportunity.

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Denise Thomas Legacy Scholarship Fund Application

Eligibility & Application Requirements

Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:

High school seniors currently enrolled in a public, private, or charter school
Current college or university students
Individuals pursuing or plan
ning to pursue vocational, technical, or professional training
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic commitment, and alignment with the values of legacy, service, and integrity

Who Should Apply

This scholarship is intended for individuals who are:

Preparing for college or postsecondary education
Currently pursuing higher education
Seeking vocational, technical, or professional certification programs
Committed to improving their future through education, skill development, and purposeful planning

Application Requirements

To be considered for the Denise Thomas Legacy Scholarship Fund, applicants must submit a complete application that includes the following:

A completed online scholarship application form
A Personal Legacy Essay (500–750 words) describing the applicant’s personal journey, educational and career goals, understanding of legacy, and commitment to positive generational impact
A Community Impact Statement (up to 250 words) outlining current or planned service to family, community, or others
A Financial Literacy Reflection (150–200 words) describing a financial lesson learned or one the applicant wishes they had learned and how it will be applied in the future.
Letters of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, employer, coach, pastor, or community leader
An official or unofficial academic transcript
Agreement to and acknowledgment of the Denise Thomas Legacy Pledge

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.s and support necessary to help individuals achieve their goals.

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Deadline & Selection Process

Application Deadline

March 15, 2026

Selection Process